Brees theatrics are an absurd but fitting end to non-controversy involving Jimmy Graham

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Brees theatrics are an absurd but fitting end to non-controversy involving Jimmy Graham

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; After being accused — ridiculously — of possibly hurting Jimmy Graham’s chances to make more money, Saints quarterback Drew Brees appeared on the “Dan Patrick Show” on Friday, stood on the host’s desk, and professed his hope that New Orleans ...

Brees theatrics are an absurd but fitting end to non-controversy involving Jimmy Graham

After being accused — ridiculously — of possibly hurting Jimmy Graham’s chances to make more money, Saints quarterback Drew Brees appeared on the “Dan Patrick Show” on Friday, stood on the host’s desk, and professed his hope that New Orleans re-signs his star teammate.

It was the absurd end to an absurd attempt by some national media members to stir up a controversy around the Saints’ most compelling off-season storyline: retaining Graham.

Brees on Wednesday repeated to NBC Sports Radio’s Erik Kuselias something that Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis had told New Orleans media at the Senior Bowl on Jan. 21: As far the team is concerned, Graham is not a wide receiver, “he is a tight end,” the quarterback said.

That’s the Saints’ stance even if Graham spends the majority of his time on the gridiron lined up as a wideout and a minority of it as an in-line tight end.

Re: Brees theatrics are an absurd but fitting end to non-controversy involving Jimmy Graham

Originally Posted by jnormand

I'm sorry but this whole TE vs WR thing is getting annoying. Let's hurry up and get him signed so this is over with.

It may be annoying but it's a crucial point. The franchise tag is the average salary for the top 5 players at the position. For WR that will be close to $11 million, while for TE the number is closer to $6 million.

There are two sides of the coin. The Saints want the best value. Jimmy wants the most money. Which position Jimmy gets designated to will determine his overall value.

I believe that in the end he'll be the highest paid TE in NFL history. But he won't get receiver money.

And trust this is not going to happen quickly. No point in hoping or praying for it. The Saints will slap Jimmy with the exclusive franchise tag. Jimmy will sign the tender (in June). They'll work it out by training camp. Jimmy will get a chance to rest that sore foot this offseason.

He's not going anywhere. I don't think any franchise is foolish enough to give up 2 #1 draft picks for the chance to negotiate with Jimmy for WR money.

But it's going to be exactly the same as Brees a couple of years ago. All the fanbase wanted was for the contract to be done quickly. It wasn't.

Honestly nor should it be. This is likely Jimmy's singularly huge contract. It's both his right and frankly obligation to maximize his value. By the same token the Saints have to think about an entire organization. So maximizing the value is crucial.

Both will compromise... eventually. But it's not going to be a quick process. Because if it were quick, then someone is getting screwed in the deal. The eventual deal needs to balance the needs of the player with the needs of the team.

Re: Brees theatrics are an absurd but fitting end to non-controversy involving Jimmy Graham

Originally Posted by SaintFanInATLHELL

It may be annoying but it's a crucial point. The franchise tag is the average salary for the top 5 players at the position. For WR that will be close to $11 million, while for TE the number is closer to $6 million.

There are two sides of the coin. The Saints want the best value. Jimmy wants the most money. Which position Jimmy gets designated to will determine his overall value.

I believe that in the end hell be the highest paid TE in NFL history. But he won't get receiver money.

And trust this is not going to happen quickly. No point in hoping or praying for it. The Saints will slap Jimmy with the exclusive franchise tag. Jimmy will sign the tender (in June). They'll work it out by training camp. Jimmy will get a chance to rest that sore foot this offseason.

He's not going anywhere. I don't think any franchise is foolish enough to give up 2 #1 draft picks for the chance to negotiate with Jimmy for WR money.

But it's going to be exactly the same as Brees a couple of years ago. All the fanbase wanted was for the contract to be done quickly. It wasn't.

Honestly nor should it be. This is likely Jimmy's singularly huge contract. It's both his right and frankly obligation to maximize his value. By the same token the Saints have to think about an entire organization. So maximizing the value is crucial.

Both will compromise... eventually. But it's not going to be a quick process. Because if it were quick, then someone is getting screwed in the deal. The eventual deal needs to balance the needs of the player with the needs of the team.

You'll see some movement around those three dates, and nothing otherwise.

So pack a lunch, cause it's going to be a long haul.

SFIAH

The team does not have that option. Once Jimmy is offered $x from another team and the offer sheet is signed, if the Saints do not match, the Saints are awarded two first round draft picks from that team.

There is a caveat thought... and I am not sure people are taking that into consideration. The two first round draft picks have to be the offering teams "original picks". Since the stipulation is that the picks have to be original picks, the Saints do NOT get two first round draft picks in that season or any season.

So in all likelihood the Saints would get a 2014 FRDP and a 2015 FRDP.